Getting married somewhere exotic is fantastic, but there are a few things to think about. Here are our top tips for stress-free planning…
1. Keep your wedding dress with you on the plane
We understand your wedding dress is precious cargo, not something to be stuffed into a Samsonite suitcase. That’s why we work with a company called Life Memories Boxes, who make special dress travel boxes that fit in with airline measurements. Pay extra for one of these and you can take your dress with you on the plane – safe in the knowledge it’s not loose in the hold below. If you take advantage of our Bride and Groom incentive, you’ll get one of these special boxes free of charge. Check out our Bride and Groom incentive page for more information.
2. Loved ones left behind? Ask your overseas weddings coordinator to sort out a live stream
If you’ve got friends and family who couldn’t make the trip, ask if it’s possible to set up a live stream. It means that in some destinations, your loved-ones can watch you declaring your vows over the internet instead.
3. Add some local flavour to your big day
You’ve travelled all that way, so pay homage to the place you’re in. If you’re getting married in Jamaica, treat your guests to moist mouthfuls of rum cake. Tying the knot in Italy? Think about free-flowing Prosecco. And if you’re saying your vows in Mexico, get the fiesta going with a traditional Mariachi band.
4. Leave the brocade bodice at home
This is going to be the happiest day of your life, so it goes without saying that you need to feel good in what you’re wearing. If you’ve gone for an exotic beach wedding in somewhere like the Dominican Republic, you’ll probably want to steer clear of a heavy, Disney princess-style dress and go for something in a light fabric, like chiffon, crepe or organza. It’ll keep you cool, and leave more room in your suitcase for honeymoon mementos. That said, if you’ve always dreamed of a big Cinderella number, you can buy a dress hoop, which will keep the fabric away from your skin.
5. Pack the St-Tropez
The last thing you want on your wedding day is ugly bikini strap marks – especially if you’ve gone for a strapless dress. It’s a good idea to take a bit of fake tan with you just in case you need to cover up the evidence. Make sure you’ve got tons of sun cream, too. It might sound obvious, but in the Caribbean, you’ll burn even if you’re in the shade. Remember, you’re going for ‘blushing bride’, not ‘lobster bride’. It’s something to be careful of if you’re marrying in somewhere like Greece, which requires you to be in the country for a few days before the ceremony.
6. Get organised with your gifts
Register for gifts at somewhere like John Lewis and you can have your presents delivered to your house on a day of your choice. It means you won’t have to fly them all back with you, and it’ll save your guests the trouble of bringing them out.
7. Customise your wedding bands
You might want to think about getting your wedding bands sorted once you arrive in resort. It means you can get something special crafted in a local style, or add a precious stone that’s synonymous with the destination you’re staying in. It’ll serve as a great reminder of the place you made your promises.
8. Adapt your make-up
Don’t leave the blushing bride look to chance. In the run up to your wedding day, take some time-outs to flick through bridal magazines and pay particular attention to the make-up on the models. You’ll need to adapt the products you use to fit the climate. Think about using a tinted moisturiser instead of a heavy foundation and experiment with waterproof mascara if you’re getting married in Lapland – snowflakes can be the cause of panda eyes.
9. Invest in a sweat undershirt for the groom
You can get specially-designed sweat-shield undershirts at www.sweatshieldundershirt.com. Perspiring grooms slip them on underneath their suits or waistcoats, and the unique fabric locks away sweat so outer garments stay bone dry. It means he won’t have to worry about sweat stains in the hot weather. Alternatively, go for something linen – lots of places stock suits in lightweight fabrics especially for grooms getting married overseas.
10. Ask your guests to share their photos
Once you and your guests are back on home turf, ask them to upload their photographs of the big day. Create a Facebook or Flickr group, or check out websites like www.weddingphotoswap.com or www.shutterfly.com
